The hands of the clock pointed straight up. Midnight in the Cresent City.

"Let's blow this pop stand." Sheryl held the elevator door.

I scanned the office and stepped into the elevator car. "I think the city's safe."

"It's in God's hands."

"Right on sister." (45)

#2

The nurse had a worried look.

I stroked the older woman's gray hair. "Hey, Christy," I whispered.

"Any word?" Pastor Bob stuck his head in the door.

"She's going home Bob."

He stepped into the room. "Jesus is waiting." (39)

#3

Barking dogs always woke me.

I picked up the phone and dialed Manny, my fiance.

His caller ID gave me away. "Nan, do you know what time it is?"

"Yeah, couldn't sleep. Could we do a telephone prayer?"

Manny chuckled, "better than counting sheep." (44)

#4

Police officers strung yellow tape around the accident scene.

The Times reporter nudged me. "What happened?"

"He jigged when he shoulda jagged."

I went back to the office and wrote my story. It lacked color, it lacked feeling, it lacked compassion. "Lord cure my writing." (45)

#5

Katrina continues, even today. When it rains the streets flood. Of course the streets have always flooded. I pray that my little car can ford the puddles. "I'm selfish Lord, too many in my city have no shelter from the rain. Forgive me Lord." (44)